Tops Friendly Markets has leased the 8,100-square-foot space previously occupied by Kinney Drugs at the Watertown Shopping Plaza to expand its new grocery store.

Tops leased the adjacent space in late May when it purchased the former Big M Supermarket at the plaza, said Richard M. Capone, who owns the plaza at 1330 Washington St. with family members. Mr. Capone said Tops plans to knock out the shared wall and remodel the old Kinney space, which is expected to be open by November. He said Tops plans to use the addition to improve the stores layout and increase its food inventory.

A large sign still standing in front of the plaza from Pyramid Brokerage Co. incorrectly states the 8,100-square-foot space leased by Tops still is available.

Katie McKenna, Tops public relations manager, did not return a call Thursday seeking comment about the expansion.

Renovations also will be completed this summer on stores that Tops acquired from Big M Supermarkets in Adams, Sandy Creek and Boonville. The stores will remain open during the projects.

Tops purchased the four stores from brothers William J. and Gordon G. Bonisteel.

Shoppers also will notice workers on the roof of the Watertown store this summer, because the plazas 39,200-square-foot roof is being replaced. The roof, which dates to 1951, needs to be replaced in order to remove asbestos. The project will be completed by RSI Roofing Inc., Gouverneur, and is expected to be done by September.

The only vacant storefront available for lease at the plaza is the space previously occupied by Wildflower Gallery and Frame Shop, which closed last fall.

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